Answered: The silica content of magma is an…

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)

9th Edition

ISBN:9780134746241

Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1LR

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Question

The silica content of magma is an important parameter in determining magma viscosity. This is because

a.This statement is false; volatile content and temperature are much more important parameters in determining magma viscosity

b.The strong polarity of bonding between oxygen and silicon causes SiO₄molecules within the melt to stick together by weak electrostatic forces

c.Magmas high in silica often contain alkali metals such as K and Na which have large ionic radii. These easily bond with silicon and oxygen to form crystal nuclei

d.SiO₄ tetrahedra tend to polymerize in the melt, forming chains

e.Silica acts as a catalyst in the melt, increasing the rate of crystallization which in turn increases the thickness of the melt

Definition Definition Chemical process in which one or more monomers combine to produce a very large chain-like molecule called a polymer. The functional groups present on the monomers and their steric effects are responsible for polymerization through a sequence of reactions that vary in complexity. There exists a stable covalent chemical bond between monomers that sets apart polymerization from other processes.

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